Maui Attractions

There is no “bad” day on Maui. With near-perfect weather throughout the year, pristine beaches, districts packed with art galleries and excellent boutiques to shop, there’s something for all ages in Maui. The island, whose name refers to a demigod but may as well translate to “perfect vacation,” is perpetually awash in sunshine and fair weather. Beach bums and adventure seekers alike can be sure of an unforgettable escape, thanks to near-endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Whether you’re looking for a good dose of history, haute cuisine or outdoor adventure, it’s easy to create memorable travel experiences for your stay on the island at Paradise on Maui. Follow our guide to some of the best ways to spend your next vacation in Maui.

TURTLE TOWN

The ocean is its own coral-packed jungle, and for divers and snorkellers on Maui, spotting moray eels, manta rays and exotic fish is a priceless delight. Along the island’s southern coast, creatures with the longest lifespan of all roam a series of underwater lava formations and coral reefs known affectionately as Turtle Town.

It’s easy to snorkel within mere feet of these mighty animals, who swim against a gorgeous backdrop of shiny coral. Muddy waters occasionally deter companies from offering the journey to tourists, but if you spend enough time on this part of the island, you’ll likely spot one anyway.

WHALE WATCHING

One of the greatest dances of all takes place in Maui’s waters during the winter months. Every January through March, humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to chase females, give birth, sing and nurse their young—and to witness it is truly an enchanting spectacle. If you’re lucky, you’ll see a competition (a group of six to eight males chasing a female) during which one after the other each of these 80,000-pound giants will surface for air, slapping the water with their pectorals and beating it with their mighty fins. You may also hear their wonderful song, or see a female and her calf, but one of the most magical sightings is a breach, when the humpback leaps into the air, performing its own version of a pirouette.

THE ROAD TO HANA

The journey to this isolated island community is half the adventure, with jungle foliage artfully draped across the road, waterfalls gently spraying your vehicle, and bridges so narrow that you may have to finally surrender to island time and slow down. This land before time offers an unforgettable escape filled with small towns, black sand beaches and hiking trails leading to hidden swimming pools.

UNDER WATER ADVENTURES

From a distance, Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater just 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) west of Maui’s southwest coast, resembles a crescent moon or a giant floating plantain. But it’s what’s lurking beneath the surface that tempts thrill-seekers: Plunge your head into its gorgeous blue waters to see peacock grouper, parrotfish, Picasso triggerfish and more in all their colourful brilliance. Do yourself a favour and embark on a predawn journey, so you’ll reach the crater long before other boats muddy up the water and throngs of tourists scare off the fishes.

BEACH LIFE & SUNSETS

With Kamaole Beach II only steps away from your condo, you will be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Bring a few lawn chairs and a cooler, from your condo closet to enjoy a day at the beach.

If you decide to travel to a different beach make sure you stop along the way for edible fuel at one of the many roadside food trucks offering fresh fruit, fish tacos and other local bounty, before hitting the sand for a family-friendly day of boogie boarding and sunbathing.

GOLF ON MAUI

You’ll want to frame your scorecard, no matter what you shoot. Golf on Maui is that memorable. Choose from 14 courses (several of which are ranked at or near the top of the “world’s best” lists) designed by noted course architects and golfing luminaries such as Arnold Palmer and Ben Crenshaw. The PGA TOUR’s Tournament of Champions is held here each year, so you may even see a pro in the clubhouse. You’ll see why it’s difficult to imagine a more dramatic setting for these 18-hole masterpieces, with fairways abutting ancient lava flows, tees surrounded by palm groves, and greens arched by rainbows formed in the ocean mist. From Kapalua to Wailea, the views are intoxicating. But stay focused on your game. You’ll want to show off that Maui scorecard when you return home.

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